Plate with multiple detachable compartments and lids

ABSTRACT

Provided are embodiments of a plate with multiple detachable, low-profile compartments with a separate lid for each compartment. In some embodiments, there may be three compartments and three lids, each of the lids may attach and detach from each of the three compartments. The shape of the plate may look like a head of an animal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/711,389, filed Dec. 19, 2021, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/778,118, filed Dec. 11, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates generally to a plate. More particularly, it relates to a plate with multiple compartments and lids. The compartments snap apart and together to form a singular plate with multiple sections.

BACKGROUND

Current plates with compartments do not allow varying foods to be warmed, cooled or stored at different temperatures. Users often need or want their foods prepared ahead of time and then warmed or cooled. A classic plate with three sections does not allow the user to warm or cool each food individually, but rather all foods have to be kept or warmed at the same temperature (i.e., microwaving one food results in microwaving all foods, even if some of those foods were meant to be served cold).

A need therefore exists to develop a plate with multiple compartments with lids that overcome these and other limitations of the prior art. The compartments snap apart and together.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are embodiments of a plate with multiple detachable compartments with a separate lid for each compartment. In some embodiments, there may be three compartments and three lids, each of the lids may attach and detach from each of the three compartments.

In some embodiments where the plate may have three compartments, a first compartment may have a size and a volume that are substantially bigger than those of the other two second and third compartments. The second and third compartments may have the same shape, size and volume.

In some embodiments, the plate may have a substantially curved shape at the periphery. The second and third compartments may be fixedly coupled to a side of (on the same horizontal plane with) the first compartment. The second and third compartments may be proximate to each other. In some embodiments, the shape of the plate may look like a head of an animal, with the first larger compartment representing the head and the smaller second and third compartments representing the ears.

In some embodiments, each compartment may include its own lid. In some embodiments, the lids may be fixedly coupled to one another. In some embodiments, the lids may be coupled to but detachable from one another. In some embodiments, the lids are separate from one another.

In some embodiments, the lids may be snapped into the corresponding compartments forming a tight seal preventing food and liquid from escaping the compartments. In some embodiments, each lid may be opened and closed independently from the other lids.

The plate of the present disclosure with horizontally coupled compartments provides many advantages, for example, they can be stackable while having multiple compartments for each layer, stored in a space with low clearance, stored in a backpack, and other advantages as will be described further herein.

The configuration of the devices described herein in detail are only example embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Other systems, apparatus, methods, features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, devices, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the subject matter described herein, and be protected by the accompanying claims. In no way should the features of the example embodiments be construed as limiting the appended claims, absent express recitation of those features in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The details of the subject matter set forth herein, both as to its structure and operation, may be apparent by study of the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the subject matter. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary top view of a plate with three compartments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the plate of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side view of the plate of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates another exemplary top view of a plate with three compartments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3B-3D illustrate exemplary top views of plates each having three compartments, and each resembles an animal head, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary top view of a plate with three compartments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates another exemplary top view of a plate with three compartments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5B-5D illustrate exemplary top views of plates each having three compartments, and each resembles an animal head, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is described in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

FIGS. 1-5D illustrate embodiments of a plate with multiple compartments with a separate lid for each compartment. Generally, the plate is made of material that is microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe. In some embodiments, the plate may be made of 100% silicone or a slightly sturdier material. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable material may be used in manufacturing the plates of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary top view of a plate 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The plate 100 may include a first compartment (or section) 102, a second compartment (or section) 104, and a third compartment (or section) 106. The sections may serve to separate food contents so that, for example, each section, when separated, may be stored, cooled or warmed at different temperatures. Each section may have its own lid which may be detachable from the corresponding section. The lids of the sections open and close independently. In some embodiments, the lids may completely detach from the sections. In some embodiments, the lid may be opened while one edge of the lid remains coupled to the corresponding section, for example, section 104 may open while one of edges 108 and 110 remains coupled to the section 104. In some embodiments, the lids may be coupled to the sections using hinges (not shown). In some embodiments, the lids may be fixedly and flexibly coupled to the sections at one edge so that the lid may be opened.

In some embodiments, the lids of sections 102, 104 and 106 may be permanently coupled to one another. In some embodiments, the lids of sections 102, 104 and 106 may be individually separate components.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the plate 100 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, a section may removably connect to another section using one or more connectors 130 located on the outside surface of one or more walls of the section. The connectors may attach each of the plate sections together to form a singular plate, for example, plate 100 is formed from three smaller compartments 102, 104 and 106. In some embodiments, the connectors may include vertical slots protruding from the wall at an angle such that they may be fitly slid together securely. It should be noted that the number of connectors 130 shown are only example. The plate of the present disclosure may have fewer or more connectors.

It should be noted that other types of connection mechanisms may be used to removably and securely connect the sections together to form a singular plate.

In some embodiments, section 102 may have a size and a volume that are substantially bigger than those of sections 104 and 106. Sections 104 and 106 may have the same shape, size and volume. Section 102 may have a shape of a half-circle. In this embodiment, the edges 108 and 110 may form a perpendicular angle and meet in the center C of edge 108. In some embodiments, the plate 100 may have a length of approximately 8 inches (or 20.32 cm), measured from top edge of section 104/106 to bottom edge of section 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side view of the plate 100 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the plate 100 may have a low profile, for example having a low height (depth) for example of approximately 1.5 inches or 3.81 cm.

It should be noted that although the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B show the plate 100 having three sections or compartments, the plate of the present disclosure may have fewer or more sections and compartments.

With the sections of the plate being coupled horizontally, or on their sides, and the height of the plate being relatively low, the plate may be stackable while having multiple compartments for each layer. Its configuration may also allow the plate to be advantageously stored in a space with low clearance, or conveniently stored and carried in a backpack, a briefcase, etc., to name just a few.

FIG. 3A illustrates another exemplary top view of an embodiment of the plate 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 3B to 3D illustrate exemplary top views of the plate 100, each has a design that resembles a head of an animal. For example, the design in FIG. 3B resembles a bear, the design in FIG. 3C resembles a pig, and the design in FIG. 3D resembles a tiger. In some embodiments, the design may be permanently applied to the lids of the plate. In some embodiments, the design may be permanently or removably affixed to the lids of the plate.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary top view of an embodiment of a plate 400, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The plate 400 may include a first compartment (or section) 402, a second compartment (or section) 404, and a third compartment (or section) 406. The sections may serve to separate food contents so that, for example, each section, when separated, may be stored, cooled or warmed at different temperatures. Each section may have its own lid which may be detachable from the corresponding section. In some embodiments, the lids may completely detach from the sections. In some embodiments, the lid may be opened while one edge of the lid remains coupled to the corresponding section, for example, section 404 may open while edges 408 remains coupled to the section 404. In some embodiments, the lids may be coupled to the sections using hinges (not shown). In some embodiments, the lids may be fixedly and flexibly coupled to the sections at one edge so that the lid may be opened.

In some embodiments, a section may removably connect to another section using one or more connectors 420 located on the outside surface of one or more walls of the section. The connectors may attach each of the plate sections together to form a singular plate, for example, plate 400 is formed from three smaller compartments 402, 404 and 406. In some embodiments, the connectors may include vertical slots protruding from the wall at an angle such that they may be fitly slid together securely. It should be noted that the number of connectors 420 shown are only example. The plate of the present disclosure may have fewer or more connectors.

Section 402 may have a size and a volume that are substantially bigger than those of sections 404 and 406. Sections 404 and 406 may have the same shape, size and volume. Sections 404 and 406 may have a shape of a half-circle. In one embodiment, the plate 400 may have a length of approximately 8 inches.

It should be noted that although the example of FIG. 4 shows the plate 400 having three sections or compartments, the plate of the present disclosure may have fewer or more sections and compartments.

FIG. 5A illustrates another exemplary top view of an embodiment of the plate 400, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 5B to 5D illustrate exemplary top views of the plate 400, each has a design that resembles a head of an animal. For example, the design in FIG. 5B resembles a bear, the design in FIG. 5C resembles a pig, and the design in FIG. 5D resembles a tiger. In some embodiments, the design may be permanently applied to the lids of the plate. In some embodiments, the design may be permanently or removably affixed to the lids of the plate.

In various embodiments above, the plates may have wall thickness of approximately 0.25 inches, and lid thickness of approximately 0.25 inches.

In some exemplary uses, the plates 100 and 400 may be used by consumers in their homes or to be taken to schools, restaurants, picnics, the beach, etc. The plates 100 and 400 may also be used by restaurants to stock and supply to patrons.

While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and equivalents are intended to be covered.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” or “includes” means “including, but not limited to,” or “includes, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the following description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. In many instances, entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic) intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plate having multiple detachable sections and lids, comprising: a first section; a second section detachably horizontally coupled to the first section; a third section detachably horizontally coupled to the first section and the second section; and wherein the first section has a size and a volume that are substantially bigger than those of the second and third sections, and the second and third sections have the same shape, size and volume, and wherein each section has a lid.
 2. The plate of claim 1, wherein the first section, the second section and the third section are detachably coupled to one another using one or more connectors.
 3. The plate of claim 2, wherein the one or more connectors comprise vertical slots protruding from a wall of each of the first, second and third section at an angle.
 4. The plate of claim 1, wherein the first section, the second section and the third section are detached from one another.
 5. The plate of claim 1, wherein the lids of the first section, the second section and the third section are permanently coupled to one another.
 6. The plate of claim 1, wherein the lids of the first section, the second section and the third section open and close independently.
 7. The plate of claim 1, wherein the height of the plate is 3.81 cm.
 8. The plate of claim 1 further has a substantially curved shape at the periphery.
 9. The plate of claim 1 further resembles a head of an animal.
 10. The plate of claim 9, wherein the lids of the first section, the second section and the third section comprise a design resembling a head of an animal. 